Dulwich Picture Gallery garden

sustainability policy

If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the operations department via the contact us page

Sustainability Policy

The term ‘sustainability’ includes the natural, built, economic and social environments of the Dulwich Picture Gallery

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery recognises its sustainability obligations to its Trustees, staff, visitors, Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery, local community and stakeholders – both locally and globally – and to current and future generations.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery aims to take a leading role in defining best sustainability practice, and will set its own appropriate and demanding standards where none exist.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery is committed to implementing the requirements of all relevant sustainability legislation and regulations and where possible, exceed any relevant minimum requirements which do not negatively affect its particular environmental requirements which fundamentally aim to protect the masterpieces in its care..
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will manage activities over which it has control and which impact upon its various ‘environments’ in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery aims to raise the sustainability awareness of its staff, visitors, Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery, local community and stakeholders by promoting the concept of sustainable development and by openly recognising the on-going need to move towards a more sustainable future.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will monitor its use of natural resources, both non-renewable and renewable, and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness with which they are used, with a view to minimising environmental impacts.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will foster and promote research and education in sustainability – for visitors, within its communities and via liaison with its architects, by raising its objectives in its publications and internet activities.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will provide appropriate sustainability training and development for its staff, and will encourage them to apply sound sustainability practices at work, at home and within the wider community.  It also encourages its staff to join appropriate sustainability working groups to the further their knowledge and education.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery is committed to transparency in, and public access, to the formulation and implementation of its Sustainability Policy and objectives. The Dulwich Picture Gallery will formulate, publish, implement and monitor objectives set out in the overall Policy, and will periodically review their efficiency and promote their continued development.
  • The Sustainability Policy of the Dulwich Picture Gallery will be applicable to all its activities and staff should understand and adhere as much as possible and practicable, the guidance set out below

Guidance for Staff at Dulwich Picture Gallery

  • Sustainability principles should guide the Dulwich Picture Gallery’s day-to-day operations and its role and impact on the community.  Thought should be given to any new activities which may be improved by reflection upon sustainability principles
  • Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own particular needs whatever they might be. Staff are encouraged to think beyond satisfying the immediate need and be aware of the impact of their decision on the future of the gallery

Use of Resources

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery aims to contribute towards a sustainable community by encouraging staff to purchase goods and services that cause the least harm to the environment. Measures will be taken to reduce our consumption in the gallery of non-renewable resources/ A framework to record and assess water, gas and electricity consumption, and waste produced
  • Energy and water usage in all our activities should be restricted and care should be taken to promote procedures which do not adversely increase consumption.
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery re-uses and recycles gallery waste as much as is possible or practicable eg glass, paper, cardboard, exhibition boards (mdf) plastic coverings and protection etc
  • Where feasible, the gallery uses recycled and renewable products from local sources
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery uses Fair Trade products for items, which cannot normally be sourced locally, such as tea and coffee.

Transport and Pollution issues

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery ensures, where practical, that its activities minimize the use of chemicals which are harmful to the environment
  • The gallery will not knowingly use suppliers that do not adhere to sustainable principles which includes the unnecessary use of plastic packaging on products delivered to the Gallery
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery is leading the way by removing all incandescent light bulbs from the Gallery site, replacing with either LED or halogen bulbs and by installing motion sensors in public areas where appropriate
  • The Gallery exhibitions/loans programme is set until 2011.  Following this date, the Gallery will take into account the transportation implications and carbon emissions that foreign loans to the Gallery will contribute to Global Warming. It will aim to reduce non-essential foreign loans unless the lack of the loan will negatively affect the business interests of the Gallery and its ability to sustain and protect its charitable concerns.
  • The gallery will encourage staff and volunteers to walk, cycle and use public transport and car share schemes for commuting and other work related activities, bearing in mind the special needs of disabled people. Facilities for cycle racks and showers will be available.

Health and well-being of its staff

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for staff and volunteers by means which do not adversely affect carbon emissions by means of unnecessary HVAC systems. 

Local Economy

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will favour, where feasible, the use of local companies and suppliers. This will reduce the need to travel and will importantly help with re-generation of the Southwark borough

Social Equality

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery provides an inspiring environment for people to meet and socialise.
  • The Gallery will continue to meet its Diversity targets and ensure accessibility to all
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will build upon its disabled access and be socially Inclusive
  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery promotes equal opportunities both with staff, volunteers, suppliers and visitors (see the Gallery Equal Opportunities Policy)
  • Staff and volunteers are supported in training and life - long learning

The Dulwich Picture Gallery Collection

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery will manage its art collection for future generations by continuing acquisitions, conservation and documentation of works to the highest of standards with long term liabilities in mind
  • The gallery will abide by best practice standards recommended by the Museums Association and act ethically in collecting
  • The Galley will use its best endeavours to achieve a balance between the conservation of its masterpieces and its responsibilities to the environment

Dissemination

  • The Dulwich Picture Gallery is continually looking into ways to improve upon its sustainable policy. It will share knowledge and learn from those who adhere to best practice within the Museum and Gallery world

How to Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our sustainability policy, please contact us via email.